Max Verstappen has finally addressed the swirling rumors about a possible mid-season departure from Red Bull, after Sky Sports F1 reporter Simon Lazenby revealed shocking claims suggesting the Dutch champion could already be in talks with rival teams.
Amid Red Bull’s sudden dip in form during the 2024 season, speculation has intensified over Verstappen’s future with the team. While he claimed victory at the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this month, McLaren has taken three wins from the opening four races, raising concerns about Red Bull’s competitiveness moving forward.
Sky F1’s Simon Lazenby fueled the fire with a dramatic update on The F1 Show, stating: “Everybody’s talking about it in the paddock. There’s no two ways about it. You go up to people from Dutch media, some of them are saying ‘we think it’s done already’. Others are saying he’s in discussions.” Lazenby even hinted at possible destinations, including Aston Martin and Mercedes, with whispers from insiders suggesting Mercedes could be in a strong position for 2026.
With pressure mounting, Verstappen finally broke his silence following a Red Bull debrief, firmly addressing the rumors: “I’m fully committed to Red Bull. There are always stories, especially when things get tough, but I’m not going anywhere mid-season. My focus is on winning races, not chasing headlines.”
His comments aim to put an end to the chaos stirred by recent media speculation. However, doubts still linger due to reported clauses in Verstappen’s contract that could allow him to leave under certain performance conditions—something Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko acknowledged earlier in the season.
Marko warned: “With such a performance, it won’t be anything to do with the World Championship… Improvements have to come in the near future so that he has a car with which he can win again.”
Verstappen remains under contract with Red Bull until 2028, but the recent turmoil has brought an unexpected layer of tension to the reigning champion’s campaign.
F1 fans won’t have to wait long for more drama, as the next stop on the calendar is the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the high-speed Jeddah Corniche Circuit this weekend.